The Tigers secured a 10-win SEC campaign Saturday, saving one of the best performances for last: A thorough, 69-53 thumping of SEC champion LSU before a raucous crowd of 11,007 at Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum.

Auburn (21-10, 10-6) should be a shoo-in for the NIT after winning eight of nine. If history is any indication, the Tigers may be back on the table for consideration for the NCAA Tournament. No SEC team has ever won 10 conference games and not participated in the Big Dance.

"I'm not one to toot our own horn, but I've got to for these kids," Auburn coach Jeff Lebo said. "To say we're not in the mix is slap in the face to these kids and a slap in the face to the Southeastern Conference. These kids have put themselves in position to be considered."